Video: Students Showcase Their Musical Talents at Annual Evening with the Arts

Students from throughout the school district performed various musical acts as part of the annual Wayne Evening with the Arts at Tuesday.

Dozens of students from several schools at every academic level showcased their musical abilities in brief performances throughout the evening.

“We’re very proud of our arts program here in the district, but sometimes it goes unseen, like a light under a bushel,” said Matthew Paterno, coordinator of the annual program. “All artistic programs are necessary for our existence as a culture.”

Often when school districts need to make cuts in their budgets, arts and sports programs are usually the first casualties suffered.

“The arts are so much more than just learning to play an instrument or singing,” said Greg Zuber, a senior at Wayne Hills and president of the school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society. “You learn about discipline and patience and those are characteristics you need to succeed in life beyond school, in the workforce, and in your family life.”

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a non-profit organization that purchases musical instruments for students from low-income families.

The event was the second such one of its kind held at the school recently. More than 50 .

“This is where it starts, with kids,” said Dianne Douthat, the vocal music teacher at . “We have to encourage our students to become involved in the arts at a young age and it will blossom from there.”

Students from the following schools participated in the event: Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley High Schools, Schuyler-Colfax Middle School, Anthony Wayne Middle School, Albert Peyson Terhune Elementary School, and John F. Kennedy Elementary School.